Anniversary of Title IX

On June 23, 1972, a new law preventing exclusion of people from any educational program based on sex alone was enacted. It was known as ‘Title IX’ of the Higher Education Act and changed educational access for women forever. Any federally funded institution offering education, sports, band, organizations or clubs was now required to offer equal opportunities to all students. The law also protected married, pregnant or students-parents from discrimination.

Congresswoman Patsy Mink, D-Hawaii, wrote an early draft of the proposal, which was first posed by a college professor who issued complaints about inequalities in university employment. That professor, Bernice Sandler, partnered with another congressional representative, Edith Green, D-Oregon, to generate discussion in congressional hearings focused on hiring and employment in public schools.

Title IX was co-authored and sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Birch Bayh, D-Indiana, who championed women’s rights and shepherded the legislation through several court challenges in following years.

The new law increased women’s opportunities significantly in public education, sports and athletic competition. It is the 40th anniversary of this landmark legislation.